If you're a gym rat like me, you've probably noticed the guy who wears a lifting belt at all times during their workouts, even when they're performing triceps exercises or, God help me, seated calf raises.
What's the truth about the efficacy of lifting belts? Well, according to Stuart McGill, the renowned spine biomechanics expert, it's probably not the best idea to wear lifting belts EVER.
McGill has conducted a comprehensive review of available studies and has concluded the following:
* For people with no previous back injury, a belt provides no protective benefit
* For people injured while wearing a belt, injuries tend to be more severe than those when not wearing a belt
* Wearing a lifting belt may contribute to varicose veins in the testicles, hemorrhoids, and hernias. Such fun!
Belts DO help generate additional torque during a lift, possibly allowing one to lift additional weight. But they
alter the lifter's motor patterns and motion patterns, which can adversely effect lifting technique. And poor technique leads to injury.
And, for power moves such as the clean, belts are contraindicated.
So, perfect your lifting techniques. And leave the belts in the bar where they belong.
Rebecca Foss
Fitness Asylum LLC
ACSM cPT
NSCA professional
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